Psychosocial and clinical variables in pregnant adolescents. A survey of maternity home residents.

Substantial research exists about pregnant adolescents, but there are few studies focusing on this population in residential maternity homes. This survey was designed to gather data about demographic and clinical characteristics, self-esteem, and social support available to adolescents in two maternity homes in Los Angeles. Adolescents' attachment to their unborn fetus was also evaluated. The culturally diverse sample included 90 unmarried subjects between 14 and 19 years of age. Results suggest that adolescents in maternity homes possess many of the same attributes as pregnant adolescents in the larger community. Self-esteem scores of residents of the Self-Esteem Inventory (mean = 66.67) were similar to those reported in other studies of pregnant adolescents. There was great variation found in the quantity and quality of functional social support received by residents. Family (97.8%) and friends (78.8%) were identified as significant individuals in the social network of the residents. Although the majority of adolescents had not planned their pregnancy, their scores on the prenatal attachment questionnaire supported a positive affiliation with their fetus. Based on these findings, recommendations are offered for programs to facilitate the development of self-esteem and support-enhancing skills of pregnant adolescents living in residential maternity homes.